Operational statistics revealed at Boksburg SPCA’s AGM on July 11 indicate the need for services rendered by the society is growing at an “alarming rate”.

Presenting his report for the past financial year, chairperson Willie du Plessis highlighted their main concern is the number of animals being surrendered.

In the 2024/2025 reporting period, 1 768 dogs were surrendered while this number jumped to 2 060 in the past financial year. Surrendered cats increased from 634 to 1 021.

“The main reasons we encounter for this are people not being able to afford to keep their pets or downscaling to accommodation where pets are not allowed,” he said.

Further to this, the SPCA’s operational budget also continues to be impacted by increased sterilisations for underprivileged pet owners through outreach initiatives – dogs (1 647) and cats (1 649).

“The overpopulation of domestic pets in South Africa has reached crisis levels. To address this, our sterilisation programmes, including feral cat sterilisation days, are done at various cost levels, including no charge in outreach areas.

“Other funding comes from generous sponsors reacting to our calls, fundraisers such as the Christmas Cheer Fund and golf day, our own resources and a Lotto grant,” du Plessis explained.

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“Outreach is an area we wish to grow – subject to finances – to eliminate unwanted litters and the concomitant cruelty that follows due to lack of food, homing conditions and medical care.”

Boksburg SPCA has one of the biggest jurisdictions in Ekurhuleni, which includes numerous informal settlements and underprivileged communities seeking SPCA assistance.

“Due to our financial position, it isn’t possible to employ the additional personnel as this will require more vehicles, office space, computers, animal handling equipment and uniforms, in addition to any salary payable.

“We are investigating means to obtain funds to employ one or two trainee inspectors, which includes applying to the Inspector Support Fund managed by the NSPCA.”

At this juncture, Du Plessis emphasised the value of support from the business community.

“This is an area where businesses can support us to have additional funding available for training or by donating vehicles or mobile office space and equipment. The entire Ekurhuleni community will benefit from additional inspectorate resources.”

Du Plessis commended committee members and their 18 staff, led by manager and senior inspector Vicky Finnemore, for their continued support and passion, emphasing that staff morale remains a priority with counselling services made available to support them in their work or personal matters.

Contact Boksburg SPCA: 067 409 4267 or 083 763 6311 or visit them in Railway Street, or go to Facebook: Boksburg SPCA Charity Shop

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